Abstract
Abstract Background NHR are the frailest group of older people and require a gerontologically attuned approach to combat multiple challenges presented to the practitioner. The in-reach ANPc liaison service aims to confront such challenges, by providing comprehensive gerontological input to all nursing home residents admitted to hospital under all specialities medical, geriatric, and surgical. Methods This service commenced in September of 2018, working 9-5 Monday to Friday with limited leave cross-cover. All nursing home residents are reviewed by a Gerontology Advanced Nurse Practitioner candidate. Each patient received comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) with recommendations for care. All had follow up 2 weeks after discharge in telephone review clinic. Results 118 nursing home residents were admitted for acute care in the study period; 96/118 (82%) were reviewed by the ANPc. 16/118 (14%) were discharged prior to review and 6/118 (5%) died within 24 hours of admission. All other patients were reviewed within 72 hours. All assessed residents had >1 recommendation for intervention to enhance care following CGA: Interventions included 31% (30/96) undiagnosed delirium identified and management advice given. 21% (20/96) had recurrent falls work up and advice. 27% (26/96) had recommendations and changes to admission medications. 37% (36/96) referrals to other HSCP therapy disciplines for complete holistic care. 11% (11/ 96) had advanced care planning regarding future illnesses. 13% (13/96) had palliative care advice and referral to community palliative care. Follow up telephone review clinics have further resulted in reduced readmission rates through liaison with NH staff post-discharge. Conclusion The high complexity of this cohort of patients requires a timely, comprehensive gerontological approach in order to provide holistic care. They require a clearly defined approach to enhance care and minimise the need for unnecessary hospitalisations.
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